Bargain Bites 2013

October 24, 2013

Our best bets for dining on the cheap in the Bay Area, broken down into categories from bar food to ramen to taquerias and beyond.

John Storey/Special to the Chronicle

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Hawker Fare: Small plates ($5-$11), rice bowls ($9.50) and vibrant flavors are the name of the game at this ode to Southeast Asian street food from Commis chef/owner James Syhabout. Start with a refreshing cocktail like the kaffir lime whisky sour ($8), then order succulent grilled lemongrass chicken or meltingly tender 24-hour pork belly and dishes to share like the blistered green beans.

Hawker Fare: Small plates ($5-$11), rice bowls ($9.50) and vibrant flavors are the name of the game at this ode to Southeast Asian street food from Commis chef/owner James Syhabout. Start with a refreshing cocktail like the kaffir lime whisky sour ($8), then order succulent grilled lemongrass chicken or meltingly tender 24-hour pork belly and dishes to share like the blistered green beans.